What is the difference between enhancement-mode and depletion-mode MOSFETs?
Technical Blog / Author: icDirectory / Date: Apr 06, 2024 15:04
Let%27s explore the differences between enhancement-mode and depletion-mode MOSFETs in detail:

1. Enhancement-Mode MOSFETs:
- These MOSFETs are equivalent to "normally open" switches.
- They require a positive gate-source voltage (VGS) to turn them ON (allowing current flow).
- When the gate voltage exceeds the threshold, a conducting channel forms between the source and drain.
- Commonly used in amplifiers, switching circuits, and power applications.

2. Depletion-Mode MOSFETs:
- These MOSFETs are equivalent to "normally closed" switches.
- They have a pre-existing conducting channel even without gate voltage.
- Applying a negative gate voltage reduces the channel conductivity.
- Depletion-mode MOSFETs are less common than enhancement-mode ones.

3. Comparison:
- Conductivity:
- Enhancement mode: Requires gate voltage to create a channel.
- Depletion mode: Has a channel by default.
- Symbols:
- Enhancement mode: Equivalent to a normally open switch.
- Depletion mode: Equivalent to a normally closed switch.
- Applications:
- Enhancement mode: High-power applications.
- Depletion mode: Less common, used in specific scenarios.

In summary, understanding the differences between these two modes helps in selecting the appropriate MOSFET type for specific circuit requirements⁴⁵.


(1) Introduction to MOSFET | Depletion and Enhancement Mode, Applications. https://www.electronicshub.org/mosfet/.
(2) depletion mode versus enhancement mode MOSFETs - Students | Britannica .... https://kids.britannica.com/students/assembly/view/71006.
(3) NMOS vs PMOS and Enhancement vs Depletion Mode MOSFETs | Intermediate Electronics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY-ka0PriaE.
(4) MOSFET - Enhancement Type MOSFET Explained (Construction, Working and Characteristics Explained). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9LBIy9Ioxo.
(5) MOSFET- Depletion Type MOSFET Explained (Construction, working and Characteristics Explained). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqGBNyhImV4.
(6) Depletion and enhancement modes - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depletion_and_enhancement_modes.

icDirectory Limited | https://www.icdirectory.com/b/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-enhancement-mode-and-depletion-mode-mosfets.html
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